Following Liberal Re-Election, ONWA Calls for the Reinstatement of a Dedicated WAGE Minister and a Focus on Indigenous Women’s Safety

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party on their re-election. We look forward to working together in the spirit of reconciliation to support Indigenous women’s leadership, and to uphold our rights. 

As Prime Minister Carney considers Cabinet positions, ONWA reiterates our call to reinstate a dedicated minister for women and gender equality. ONWA supports the goal of a more efficient, focused, and sustainable government—but the absence of a dedicated cabinet position for women and gender equality will severely hinder efforts to improve Indigenous women’s safety and address the high levels of violence perpetuated against us. It sends a troubling message at a time when anti-rights and anti-women rhetoric is escalating worldwide. It signals to Indigenous women and girls in this country that our lives, our safety and our inherent rights are not a priority.  

As Canada is forced to turn its attention toward US relations and protecting the economy, all levels of government must not lose sight of their responsibility to uphold the rights and safety of Indigenous women. The safety, healing, and well-being of Indigenous women must remain a priority as we navigate these times of economic uncertainty together.  

Achieving equality for all women and gender diverse people demands dedicated leadership, resources, accountability, and sustained attention. In addition to the reinstatement of a dedicated WAGE minister, ONWA calls for a focus on critical priorities, including: 

1. Investments in Indigenous women’s safety and violence prevention 

2. Flexible, core and capital funding for Indigenous women’s organizations 

3. Investments in policy and research capacity for Indigenous women 

4. Improved access to health, healing and wellness services for Indigenous women and their families 

5. Addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous women in the justice system 

6. Ensured access to safe and affordable housing for Indigenous Women and their families 

7. Continued work to end residual sex discrimination in the Indian Act 

   
   

As the federal government embarks on a new mandate, we need a more inclusive approach to Indigenous relations that ensures Indigenous women and their organizations are involved, consulted, and benefit from resources to address issues that impact their lives, their families and their communities. Indigenous women have an inherent right, as affirmed by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), to be involved in decisions that impact our lives. ONWA looks forward to working with Prime Minister Carney, and all Members of Parliament, to uphold the safety and rights of Indigenous women and girls.

For more information and media inquiries, contact: 

Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager

Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)

Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca